Natural Habitat Adventures is seeking an experienced, passionate, professional, and positive chef to join our team this summer at Alaska Bear Camp, our remote luxury bear viewing camp within Lake Clark National Park. The Camp Chef, with assistance from the Camp Sous Chef, is responsible for providing fabulous meals daily, ensuring the success of one of Nat Hab's most important programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Create an innovative Alaskan-themed menu with variety and balance in ingredients and methods of preparation. Food should be of consistent high quality, locally sourced, and made from scratch as much as possible
- Prepare daily meals (including breakfast, lunch, snacks, happy hour appetizers, and dinner) for rotating groups of approximately 14 guests plus 1 guide, in addition to 5-7 camp staff, per sitting. All meals should be prepared on time and presented in a beautiful, gourmet manner
- Order food and supplies as needed, pre- and during season, and communicate with the Homer Field Operations Team to ensure orders have arrived, are correct, and coordinate timely delivery to camp in coordination with the Camp Manager
- Understand and readily accommodate dietary requirements (both those that are forewarned and those that appear without warning) while sometimes having to resourcefully utilize limited ingredients
- Ensure the smooth operation of the kitchen throughout the season, including maintaining a clean and safe work environment
- Maintain an accurate, updated, organized, and detailed inventory of all food and kitchen supplies
- Always strive for sustainability in food sourcing and preparation to minimize waste
- Respectfully delegate other camp staff members to assist with food preparation and meal service when needed
- Help to always ensure the kitchen and all kitchen-related items and spaces are clean by assisting with sanitizing dishes, counters, floors, etc.
- Maintain proper food and beverage storage
- To the greatest extent possible, strive for an ambiance of luxury with meal presentation and table settings.
- Help with camp setup (including kitchen set up to ensure a functional, efficient, and clean working space) and end-of-season breakdown (including properly inventorying, cleaning, and storing all food and kitchen supplies)
- Always communicate in a friendly and professional manner
REQUIREMENTS
- At least 4 years of experience as a professional chef and a passion for creating high-quality, creative, culinary dishes using available, locally sourced ingredients
- Experience as a chef in the travel industry (lodges, expedition ships, etc.) is preferred; experience working at a remote luxury lodge is highly preferred
- Familiarity with Alaskan-sourced ingredients and a variety of methods of food preparation.
- Experience menu planning and resourcefully utilizing sometimes limited ingredients
- Experience cooking for and knowledge of various dietary restrictions and how to meet them with sometimes limited ingredients
- Ability and passion to deliver exceptional customer service while eagerly and professionally responding to guests' needs
- Proven leadership abilities, including a strong track record of dependability, organization, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to make independent decisions, work autonomously, and accomplish tasks in a timely and accurate manner
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and thrive under stressful periods
- Ability to handle unexpected challenges and efficiently problem solve while remaining flexible, creative, and resourceful
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as well as continuously walk, stand, and/or bend to perform daily essential job functions
- Possess high levels of integrity, efficiency, maturity, and enthusiasm
- Ability to work individually and in harmony as a part of a team while living in a remote, communal setting
- Capable of working long hours for multiple consecutive days in a physically and mentally demanding setting
- Required credentials and certifications (must be current and obtained before starting):
- Basic First Aid Certification (or higher level First Aid training)
- CPR Certification
- Food Handler's Certification
- U.S. Driver's License
- Training for Alcohol Professionals (TAPS) Certification
TIME & SEASONALITY
This is a field-based, seasonal independent contractor (1099) position that begins immediately and runs through mid-September.
While your hours will vary from day to day, the Camp Chef should expect to work long hours every day to accomplish our goal of providing a remarkable guest experience. At times, this will require early mornings and late evenings.
All camp staff members get 3 paid days off each month. You will be flown to Homer via bush plane for these days off, where housing is provided at Nat Hab's local guide house.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This is an independent contractor role compensated at a competitive daily rate, commensurate with experience, plus gratuities. Contractors are eligible for annual rate increases based on performance.
Nat Hab provides branded gear as well as meals and any required transportation and lodging while on assignment.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT
Natural Habitat Adventures is a growing company that welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. We seek to foster and maintain a welcoming, inclusive and high-performing culture in our office and in the field. Even if you don't have experience in the travel sector, we invite you to show us how you can help Nat Hab become an even stronger company.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an incumbent in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required of persons so classified or assigned.